$Unique_ID{BRK01355}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Where Does the Name "Buerger's Disease" Come From?}
$Subject{buerger buerger's disease smoking circulatory system ill defined
symptoms rare diseases smokers thromboangiitis obliterans blockages arteries
arms legs limb toes smoked cigarettes leg smoke symptom vein veins artery
blocked arm limbs toe foot feet hand hands handwriting}
$Volume{G-4, N-4}
$Log{
The Effects of Smoking*0007301.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Where Does the Name "Buerger's Disease" Come From?


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QUESTION:  Can you discuss a condition known as "Buerger's disease".  Can you
tell me where the name comes from and whether or not it is caused by smoking?
When you see my signature you will understand my interest.

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ANSWER:  This disease is named for Dr. Leo Buerger who first described it in
1908.  Buerger's disease is relatively rare in this country, but it does occur
primarily to young smokers and is considered to be directly related to
smoking.  This condition, which is also called "thromboangiitis obliterans",
consists of blockages in the small- and medium-sized arteries of the arms and
legs and can lead to gangrene and, frequently, to a loss of a limb.
     The first symptom of Buerger's is often lack of blood circulation to a
section of the lower leg and localized gangrene in the toes.  A recent study
of 26 people who had Buerger's disease over the last 15 years found that most
sufferers are male and all smoked cigarettes.  Eight of these patients lost a
leg to the disease.  Only 8 percent of the cases occur in women in other
statistics.  Oddly, Buerger's disease was widely diagnosed in the United
States early in this century, but the number of cases have declined
drastically.  Many cases continue to be seen in other parts of the world.  No
one knows why the distribution of this condition has changed.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.